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CNN bans pro-Trump commentator after offensive ‘beeper’ remark

BBG News

As a firm believer in the power of open dialogue and mutual understanding, I wholeheartedly applaud CNN for taking a stand against hate speech and intolerance. The incident involving Ryan Girdusky, who made an offensive comment referencing a tragic attack on Hezbollah, is a stark reminder that we must never tolerate such behavior, especially on a platform as influential as CNN.

On the “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” broadcast on Monday, CNN prohibited a conservative commentator due to his inappropriate remark directed towards another guest, which alluded to an incident involving Hezbollah.

Ryan Girdusky, a political strategist backing ex-President Trump, made a contentious statement during a debate with fellow panelist Mehdi Hasan concerning the Republican presidential candidate’s rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday. The speakers at this event have faced criticism due to their offensive and racially charged remarks, which have sparked considerable controversy.

Following Hasan’s weigh-in, Girdusky remarked, “I hope your pager doesn’t activate,” alluding to the past incident where mobile communication devices were used to detonate explosives linked to Hezbollah members in Lebanon on Sept. 17. Israeli intelligence is said to have caused these device explosions, resulting in injuries to as many as 3,000 Hezbollah members and others, with at least a dozen fatalities in that attack.

As a passionate advocate for the Palestinian struggle, I found myself taken aback when I heard that comment. Being a movie critic, I’m accustomed to expressing my thoughts on various films, but this particular statement left me momentarily speechless – especially given my work as a vocal supporter on television programs and my own news platform, Zeteo.

“Did your guest just say I should be killed on live TV?” Hasan said to Phillip.

Following the advertisement pause, Philip extended an apology to Hasan and the viewers, further adding that Girdusky would no longer be appearing.

Philip stated, “As we begin our conversation, you’ll notice Ryan isn’t present. That boundary violation doesn’t sit well with me, and I believe it goes against the values of this network.

Over the past few months, CNN has transformed “NewsNight” into a debate-focused discussion show, similar to their old show “Crossfire” which ended in 2005. On this program, analysts express contrasting opinions, leading to heated debates where conversations can become confrontational, with guests frequently interrupting each other as Philip attempts to keep the show under control.

In a declaration, CNN firmly stated that there is no tolerance for racism or discrimination within CNN or its programming, and they have decided not to extend an invitation for Girdursky to return on their network.

CNN stated that our goal is to encourage insightful discussions and debates, even among individuals holding deeply opposing views, to delve into significant topics and foster greater empathy and shared comprehension.

Girdusky tried to apologize on the air. Later on social media site X, he was defiant. “Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke,” he wrote. “I’m glad America gets to see what CNN stands for.”

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2024-10-29 20:31

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